Public Given Chance to Speak at Fracking Meeting

Planning committee members at Derbyshire County Council will hear the views of interested groups, including local residents, at a meeting on 5th February before deciding on the council's position over a proposal to explore shale gas reserves near Eckington − which is subject to a planning appeal.

Oil and chemical firm INEOS wants to erect a drilling rig up to 60 metres tall and drill around 2,400 metres below the ground off Bramleymoor Lane, in the village of Marsh Lane, to investigate the suitability of the rock for 'fracking'. The proposals − which are to carry out underground investigations only, not fracking − are already set to be considered by a Planning Inspector at a public inquiry on 19th June as part of an appeal. The appeal was started by INEOS in December because it was not prepared to allow more time for the council to make a decision on its planning application. 

Mike Ashworth, Derbyshire County Council's Strategic Director for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: ’We're aware of the depth of feeling about this planning application and have reviewed our approach to the meeting next week so that the committee has a chance to hear views from relevant parties speaking for and against the proposal.’ More: https://tinyurl.com/ydysws3e